An Post RAS: Chain Reaction opens door for Gate's glory

NEW ZEALANDER Aaron Gate fought off competition from Marco Tizza and Matteo Malucelli (Team IDEA 2010 ASD) to storm to victory in Stage 5 into Ballina of An Post Rás yesterday.

Gate broke away from the leading pack with just five kilometres to go in an audacious move that set the platform for his stage success.

Jaap de Man (Team 3M) and Marco Tizza (Team IDEA) followed the An Post rider's break and the three men worked well together through a highly technical home stretch with lots of twists and turns.

The gap shortened quickly as the pack reeled in the three leaders but Gate managed to hold off a final assault by Tizza and Malucelli to give An Post Chain Reaction their third stage win of this year's Rás.

Post office primes and category three climbs returned for stage five which led an exciting and enthralling stage as the 142km course weaved its way through the scenic terrain from Newport to Ballina, which proved to be a test to even the most experienced riders.

The inevitable split happened at the 35km mark led by the yellow jersey holder, Lukas Postlberger (Tirol Cycling Team). The lead group consisted of 18 riders including four of the An Post Chain Reaction Team who rode an extremely intelligent tactical race today, allowing Gate to conserve his energy levels for the all-important finish.

Lukas Postlberger retains both the Yellow and the Points Classification Jerseys, while Ryan Mullen (An Post) now holds a three minute and 29 second lead over Jaap De Mann (Team 3M) in the U23 category. Best County Rider (Ian Richardson) and King of the Mountains ,Robert Partridge, remain unchanged.